ROBERT C. SMITH

May 26, 1927 - April 27, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Robert C. Smith, 85, of South Bend, IN, passed away on April 27, 2013, at Southfield Village. He was born on May 26, 1927, in South Bend, to the late Dennis and Mary (Carruthers) Smith.

On September 9, 1950, he married the former Candida Sarkisian. Bob is survived by his children, Mary Katherine "Kay" (Robert) Whipple of Hilton, NY; Eric (Leanne) Smith of Noblesville, IN, Philip (Wenying "Wendy") Smith of Fairfax, VA, and Jay (Twyla) Smith of Byron, IL; eight grandchildren, Christopher Whipple, Pricilla (Bryan) Belluccio, Nathaniel Smith, Michael (Natalie) Smith, Jonathan (Ashley) Smith, Jarrett Smith, Olivia Smith and Dana Smith; two great-grandchildren, Eric M. Smith and Oliver X. Smith; and his brother, Thomas (Mildred) Smith of San Jose, CA.

Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Candida, on October 7, 2009.

Bob lived his entire life in the South Bend area. He was active in Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and later serving as an adult advisor to area troops. He actively supported conservation causes and was a third-generation member of the Izaak Walton League. Bob served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. Bob graduated from Central High School in 1945. He attended the University of Notre Dame, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, and later earned his Master's degree from Indiana University. He was a four-year monogram winner in track at Notre Dame, where he excelled in the sprint events, setting three school records. He was Captain of the Notre Dame Track team his senior year, and was named Notre Dame All American in 1948. He competed in the 1948 Olympic Trials, finishing fourth in the finals of the 200-meter dash.

Bob was a biology teacher for the South Bend Community School Corporation for 39 years, teaching at both Riley and Jackson High Schools. Bob was head track and cross country coach at Riley High School for eight years, and in 1995 was inducted into the Riley Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach. He later served as assistant track coach at Notre Dame for 16 years, where he helped develop several Olympians. Coach Smith shared his experiences and life lessons learned during his track years in his book "Keeping Track: Success in Track and Field." He was fondly loved by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2013, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1501 West Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. Friends may gather one hour prior to the service. Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, IN, is assisting the family with arrangements. Contributions in memory of Robert C. Smith may be offered to Izaac Walton League Club HSE 20400 Darden Road, South Bend, IN 46601; and Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1501 West Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46628. Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Apr. 30, 2013.

11/24/2022 EJS